Conditions : Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever, also known as ‘Scarlatina’ (in its milder form), is an acute Streptococcus infection. It usually begins with a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and a phlegmatic cough. It is indicated by a scarlet skin rash, particularly in the groin and armpits, and by a red coating on the tongue (‘Strawberry tongue’). The rash begins to show when the infection has spread throughout the system. It is frequently accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting and, in some cases, convulsions. The rash will clear with the other symptoms subsiding within a few days, but the body is left in a weakened condition, susceptible to other bacterial infections or to further complications such as rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease. Therefore, care should be taken to prevent further complications of the initial strep infection.

Recommended Action

Do a few days of juice fasting along with plenty of catnip or garlic enemas, which will keep the bowels free and moving. Take copious amounts of liquid every hour, if possible, while taking saffron (especially in combination with catnip). This will help to bring out the rash and often has the added effect of bringing down the fever. To draw out the toxins use ginger baths and diaphoretic herbs and drink lots of fluids to replace those lost. Infection-fighting herbs should also be used to regulate this condition. As Scarlet Fever can be severe in some cases, destroying the kidneys and weakening the heart, a physician should be consulted. It is often more prudent to take an antibiotic to get over this problem easily and spend the next few months rebuilding the body from the effects of the antibiotic than it is to spend many years rebuilding a damaged heart or kidneys.